How to Install a Passive TV Splitter

Equipment needed

• Splitters
• F type twist on connectors

Tools needed

•  Snips

Procedure to Install a Passive TV Splitter

1. Cut the input cable coming from the aerial so that it is long enough to reach where all the cables coming from the various rooms terminate at a single point
2. Put an F connector on the cable and also on all cables feeding the various TV points which are to be connected
3. Connect the aerial cable to the 'IN' port on the splitter
4. Connect the TV point cables to the 'OUT' ports on the splitter

Summary: An F-type splitter is used to allow signal from an aerial to run to several rooms to allow independent viewing.

They come in a range of sizes 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 way.

There are 2 basic types:

• Passive splitters: Are used to distribute un-amplified (or post amplified) signal to several rooms.
• Power passing splitters: Can be used between a power unit and the Masthead amplifier/Aerial.
• They allow the 12 volt signal from the power unit to pass through to the Masthead amplifier
• while also distributing the amplified signal on the other ports.

Main Points to remember

• Splitters are used as a simple, effective and low cost alternatives to distribution systems
• Work well when the initial signal strenght is good. 
• Passive splitters will do the same job at a lower cost than power passing s for a standard unpowered system 
• Power passing splitters are designed for use with power units and masthead amplifers
• Can work as (expensive) passive splitters as well
• Never use splitters in series (looped one after the other) as this will lead to high levels of signal loss
• Always use F-type splitters as IEC (Coax) splitters normally have high levels of signal loss